
The Road to Abra Tsactsapunta in the Cordillera Blanca Is Not for Timid Drivers
Peru, south-america
30 km
4,472 m
moderate
Year-round
Abra Tsactsapunta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,472m (14,671ft) above sea level, located in the Yungay Province of Peru.
The pass is located in the Ancash Region, in the western part of the country, high in the Cordillera Blanca range.
The road through the pass is 30km (19 miles) long, running north-south from Cruz de Mayo to Huacho.
The road to the pass is not easy. It’s unpaved, with loose rocks, unprotected by guardrails, featuring dangerous drops and about 30 hairpin turns. The weather is always a concern, as the area is often covered in fog.
The road is pretty remote, so it’s better to travel accompanied. In perfect weather, a high-clearance vehicle is required, and a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
The Road to Abra Tsactsapunta in the Cordillera Blanca Is Not for Timid Drivers is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -11.3203, -74.2341
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,472 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -11.3203, -74.2341
Related Roads in south-america
moderateWhere is Uspallata Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: a high-altitude adventure in the heart of Argentina, specifically Mendoza Province, where the Uspallata Pass awaits! We're talking serious elevation here. This isn't just a Sunday drive, folks. Also known as Camino Cristo Redentor, this road is nestled near the breathtaking Paso Internacional de los Libertadores and serves mostly as a tourist route to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. So, how long will this epic journey take? Be prepared for a trek –it's a drive with some serious gradients, ready to put your driving skills to the ultimate test! And a heads-up: if you're not a fan of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. Now, for the million-dollar question: when can you tackle this beast? This pass is a fair-weather friend, which means summer is your golden window, when the snow is gone. But keep an eye on the forecast; conditions can change rapidly, and heavy snowfall can shut things down without warning. So, while the scenery is absolutely stunning, remember to respect the mountains and drive smart!
hardYantahuain
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled Yantahuain, a beast of a mountain pass hidden in the Peruvian Andes at a lung-busting 4,223m (13,854ft). Picture this: you're cruising along, leaving the pavement near Conococha behind, and suddenly you're on a rocky, gravelly track that's a real test of your off-road skills. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for it, a short climb brings you to the top. 4x4 highly recommended! The views? Epic. But be warned, the air gets thin up there. We're talking serious altitude, so listen to your body. Most feel it around 2,500-2,800 meters. If you're heading south, the road continues to Rajan and a breathtaking 2300m descent into Cañon. Trust me, this route is an unforgettable experience for any adventurous soul.
hardHow to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, get ready for a trip to the absolute BOTTOM of the Americas! We're talking about Gran Bajo de San Julián, nestled way down in the Patagonian wilds of Santa Cruz, Argentina. Forget about sea level – we're diving to -105 meters (-345 feet)! Yeah, Death Valley's cool and all, but this place is lower, making it the ultimate low-rider experience in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Think vast, desolate landscapes: a proper desert vibe with crazy temperature swings, salty ground, and hardy plants clinging to life. It's remote, so you won't be battling hordes of tourists, but you might bump into a scientist or a fellow traveler with a serious case of wanderlust. The good news? The road in is fully paved! You'll cruise along Ruta Nacional 3, a sweet 125 km (77-mile) stretch from the historic coastal town of Puerto San Julián (Port St. Julian) to Comandante Luis Piedrabuena. So, pack your camera, fill up the tank, and prepare for a truly unique journey to one of the planet's hidden gems.
extremePunta Fierro Cruz
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Punta Fierro Cruz! This beast of a mountain pass in Peru's Yauli province tops out at a staggering 15,823 feet. The road? Think gravel, narrow, and seriously twisty – hairpin turns galore! Oh, and it's steep. Like, *really* steep. Be warned, this route can become a muddy mess and even impassable after a good rain. But hey, the payoff? Stunning views, including a string of gorgeous lakes on the south side of the pass. Now, a word of caution: this isn't a Sunday drive. You're at a serious altitude, so expect strong winds and weather that can change on a dime. If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, maybe sit this one out. Altitude sickness is a real thing, and the weather can be brutal year-round, especially in winter. Basically, Mother Nature calls the shots here, so be prepared!